Pousada de Angra do Heroismo - Forte Sao Sebastiao

From Reception onwards you know that this is a quality hotel, situated in a rather unique location, that is, within a small fort (smaller, when compared with the one opposite next to Monte Brasil). The architects have done an outstanding job in integrating modern architecture with this part state controlled, part Pestana/Pousadas historic monument. There are even two swimming-pools which do not look out of place. The rooms are well-appointed and very comfortable, excellent beds and a good shower, amenities, and remarkably fast wi-fi. Breakfast was substantial and included a lot of good local Azorean produce (cheeses, bread, sweets). There is also a designer split-level bar area opposite reception. There is free parking outside the fort- a bonus- as Angra generally charges for parking. The chef at the Forte de Sao Sebastiao works some wonders. Good food, beautifully and classily presented. If you are there for a Fado music (food and wine) do not miss this. It is a must. Very professionally run. The staff, Fernanda on Reception, Lobelia and Luis in the restaurant are attentive, efficient and prompt. The one and only small gripe was that although it is a Pousada it is also a Franchise and you don't get Pestana Priority Discounts or points.

From the point you arrive and Reception onwards you can tell this is a quality hotel in a rather unique location, that is, within a small fort (compared with the large and active one opposite, by Monte Brasil). The architects have worked hard and creatively doing an outstanding job in integrating modern architecture with this part state controlled, part Pestana (Pousadas) structure. There are even two discreet swimming-pools. The rooms are well-appointed and very comfortable, excellent beds good shower, amenities, and pretty fast wi-fi. Breakfast was substantial and included a lot of good local Azorian produce (cheeses, bread, sweets). There is also a designer split-level bar area opposite reception. Free parking outside the fort- a bonus- as Angra generally charges for parking. The chef at the Forte de Sao Sebastiao works some wonders. Good food, beautifully and classily presented. If you are there for a Fado music (food and wine) do not miss out on this. It is a must. Very professionally run. The staff, Fernanda on Reception, Lobelia and Luis in the restaurant are attentive, efficient and prompt. The one small gripe was that although it is a Pousada it is a Franchise and you don't get Pestana Priority Discounts or points.

We enjoyed our stay at this unique hotel. Had an opportunity to get acquainted with other people staying at hotel through Fad night event.

Relaxing stay in a 16th century fortress by the sea.

Hotel built inside a fortress. Absolutely stunning architecture blend of the old and new. Staff very helpful and restaurant food is very good. Beautiful sunset view from the hotel as it is on a cliff. We had dinner under the stars and it was an amazing experience. Short walk to the Marina and town. A definitely unique hotel to stay.

The Pousada in the old Forte de Sao Sebastiao is amazing, they have built an ultramodern hotel inside the walls of one of the main forts guarding the harbor. It looks out to sea from the restaurant and the swimming pool. The service in the restaurant was great. For example, they only had cold milk out, but a waiter foamed up some leite quente for me every morning. Dinner and bar service was outstanding, and the staff very helpful. If you have your own car, that overcomes the one drawback, is that you are a hilly walk away from the historic center and other street life.

Staying in a historical fort was a treat. It's also centrally situated to historical sites.

Historic pousada (hotel) in a beautiful island. Well worth the visit for 3 or 4 days.

This hotel was great. The front desk was very helpful finding a scooter to rent and with an early check-in as well as recommendations and events around the island.

This is a gorgeous property in an excellent location close to the town center...about a ten minute walk. The room was very nice. There was only one issue which ended up being pretty significant. Our air conditioner did not work for our entire stay. What is just as disappointing is how it was handled. Immediately as we noticed it was not working the hotel staff came to the room and verified it did not work and simply stated they were sorry. No suggestion that another room may be available no suggestion as to how it may be fixed or when it may be fixed just that they were sorry and that I should tell the staff the next day that it doesn't work. The next day I was told that we were the only one who had complained of this and they would try to see if something could be fixed. When my wife and I spoke with all of the other guests at breakfast it turns out that none of them had air conditioning as well. I was disappointed that we had been lied to and that this was clearly a hotel wide is shoe that was not likely to have been rectified anytime soon. This wouldn't be a huge deal except when we slept with the window open the winds were so high that IT band the metallic shutters on the balcony all night long so we achieved extremely little sleep. It really is disappointing because the primary function of a hotel is to be able to go somewhere to sleep and it's a shame that we couldn't achieve this because so many other aspects of the hotel are just excellent.